Chinns Lake Trail

Chinns Lake Trail is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, CO that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and mountain biking and is accessible from June until September.

2.7 miles738 feetOut & Back

kid friendly

hiking

mountain biking

walking

lake

wild flowers

wildlife

Directions from Idaho Springs: Take I-70 west to exit 238. Take Fall River Road to the Fall River Reservoir Road, 6.5 miles from I-70. Go 2.5 more miles on this road to Chinns Lake turnoff. The trail begins here.

Both Chinns lakes get low with muddy shores and are less attractive later in the season. To escape all the 4x4 crowds and enjoy a much prettier lake and even more spectacular views, keep going another mile up to Slater lake and beyond into the incredible glacial cirque farther west.

This hike is closer to 2 miles from the trailhead, with much more elevation gain than 400 ft. The trail is a very rocky 4x4 road, and cars go up and down it pretty regularly when you're hiking. Honestly, this lake is probably best reached by car vs by foot (we were the only hikers on the trail that day). Once there, however, the lake is pretty .